PANAJI
Once the facility is inaugurated, initially the GTDC will deploy their personnel to maintain the multi-level car park, which will be thrown open for public use from the next day, November 1.
Speaking to The Goan, GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said, “From November 1 we will start the operations. GTDC will deploy people for maintenance of the facility. We will charge Rs 10 for two-wheelers and Rs 20 for four-wheelers for four hours.”
When asked if any arrangement has been made for commuters to travel from Patto to the city if they park their vehicles at the facility, he said, “As of now, there is no arrangement but we are working on making that arrangement so that it will help in decongesting the city to a very large extent.”
However, he pointed out that The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) should co-operate with GTDC in such initiatives.
“Instead of indulging into politics, it should look at the interest of the city,” he said.
Questioned on when the contractor for maintenance will be appointed, he said, “The tender is finalised. GTDC has sent the file for approval to the State government. Once this is done, we will sign the agreement and immediately the place will be handed over to the contractor for maintenance.”
Stating that GTDC has high-end plans for the multi-level car park, he said, “We plan to put up LED display boards at strategic locations so that people know where parking lots are available and they can directly come and park instead of queuing up.”
Though the project was complete, the inauguration was delayed as the CCP had asked GTDC to pay a fine of Rs 46 lakh which was imposed due to the non-renewal of construction licence. Cabral had however asked CCP to waive off the fine as the project was in the interest of Panaji. But, with the CCP being adamant on its demand, GTDC decided to pay the amount so that it could start the facility as early as possible.
The facility is expected to address the problem of traffic congestion, especially of tourists who flock to the casinos in Mandovi River and for boat rides.
Spread over 13,556 square meters, the multi-level car-park has ground-plus-three floors. Over and above it even has a terrace where cars can be parked. Overall, 462 cars can be parked at this car park. Additionally, 33 cars can be accommodated in the open space outside the building.
